Fort Wayne Community Schools - H1N1 Influenza

Fight the Flu

Influenza ("the flu") is unpredictable and can be severe, especially for children and those with compromised immune systems. Each year, thousands of children get sick with seasonal influenza, and for some, seasonal flu can lead to hospitalization or even death. The CDC estimates between 5 and 20 percent of U.S. residents get the flu each year and more than 200,000 people are hospitalized for flu-related complications each year. The single best way to protect your children from influenza is to get them vaccinated each year. CDC recommends that everyone 6 months of age and older get a seasonal flu vaccine. In addition, vigilant adherence to common sense health and hygiene practices is one of the best ways to protect yourself from becoming infected. Careful and frequent hand washing, covering your cough and sneeze, staying home when you are ill and keeping children home when they are ill will help everyone stay healthy.